Where the grass is greener...

From the moment l noticed the manicured couch grass lawn at the entrance of Andrew Byrne’s factory unit, l just knew that l was in for a very, very special afternoon.

The manicured couch grass lawn 
that greeted us on arrival

We were all greeted at the front entrance by Andrew and ushered into our parking spots. As soon as l parked my 1931 Model A Ford 2-door Tudor Deluxe Sedan, l believe Andrew’s daughter arrived with a piece of 60x90 cm piece of cardboard to place under my vehicle in case l had any oil leaks (and as you know all Model A Fords & Model T Fords leak oil). Every vehicle that was parked on the concrete pad in front of the building had these pieces of cardboard placed under the vehicles for obvious reasons.

This is a special place to be lucky enough to be invited to by the very private Byrnes family.

Our Model A Ford Restorers Club of NSW plus the Model T Ford Club of NSW were invited to a showing of the Byrne’s private Ford collection of motor vehicles and paraphernalia exhibited in the Museum, however there was one condition: NO PHOTOGRAPHS.

Garry & Marilyn Amesbury’s Model T Ford. This modern kitchen, 
would have been used extensively in 2008 when they drove their 
1927 Model T Ford 20,000 km around Australia

Everybody adhered to Andrew's request, they do not want their treasure plastered all over social media, and l totally agree with them.

All we had to do was to show up in our Model A & Model T Fords, a magnificent lunch was provide for all their guests by Andrew’s beautiful Mauritian wife with the help of their son & daughter. We were spoilt rotten.

After lunch we were all invited into their unbelievable Car Museum to drool over their Ford Motor Vehicles. Absolutely astonishing.

When everybody was through checking out the merchandise it was now time for afternoon tea. Cakes and sweets were in abundance, washed down with Coffee or Tea.

That’s not all, Andrew’s family distributed a raffle ticket to every one in attendance when we arrived. Peter Deane from the Model A Ford Restorers Club of NSW was lucky enough to win the 1st prize, a lovely bottle of Liquor. There were also another three prizes won by various other members, lovely Ford “Tee“ shirts.

Shown in the accompanying photographs are some of the Model A Ford & Model T Ford vehicles that attended this wonderful day.

Some of the Model A Ford & Model T Ford vehicles
that attended this wonderful day

Don’t forget to inspect Andrew’s couch grass lawn that l was greeted with upon my arrival setting the tone for the day.

Check out the photograph of Garry & Marilyn Amesbury’s Model T Ford. This modern kitchen, would have been used extensively in 2008 when they drove their 1927 Model T Ford 20,000 km around Australia, raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

I might add that we never had to put a hand in our pockets all afternoon due to the hospitality and generosity of the Byrne family.

I would like to add to this story my personal gratification for a wonderful afternoon.

The Byrnes are truly an inspirational family.

Thanks so much for our wonderful and inspiring afternoon.

Ken Warburton. (Model A Ford Restorers Club of NSW)

N.B. We were allowed to take photos out side the private collection as you can witness above. You can also see the neatly cut pieces of cardboard that were placed under our vehicles when we arrived in two of the photos.